They are the races that that stop an island.
The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival is a three-day celebration of racing, entertainment, food, wine and fun on February 14 and 16 at the picturesque Cygnet River Racecourse.
Racing has a long tradition on KI, going back to 1883, when farmers raced their horses along the beach at Emu Bay for a wager.
It soon grew to a main annual social gathering for the island.
Since 1940, the Kangaroo Island Racing Club has developed a racetrack and facilities at Cygnet River, 6km from the island’s “capital”, Kingscote.
The main race day, the KI Cup, is on the Saturday, with total prize money over both days totalling more than $100,000.
A calcutta will be held in town on the Friday.
SeaLink is offering punters the best seat in the house with a range of cup day packages.
Its Kangaroo Island Cup Day packages depart from Adelaide, Cape Jervis, Penneshaw and American River from $141.
The Full Day Race Package with Long Lunch is a great way to celebrate, while visitors can go one better and have an extended stay before or after the carnival.
SeaLink also offers a range of day tour tours covering wildlife, food and wine and nature, plus two- to five-night self-drive packages.
Details – www.sealink.com.au/specials/ki-cup
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